Jared Padalecki on ‘Supernatural’

The star of the CW's cult series teases a possible return of Jim Beaver and his hopes for the season finale... and "Supernatural" season 8?

The CW had a Badass Boys of the CW panel for the Television Critics Association, featuring a male lead from each of their shows. Jared Padalecki was there to represent "Supernatural" so after the panel, he spoke with reporters about what specifically is coming up on his show.

Don’t count Jim Beaver out

Obviously I felt very sad. We have a famous saying at Supernatural, it’s famous around set, “The only way to make sure you’re coming back on the show is to die.” So that having been said, I don't think it’s the last we’ll see of Jim Bever. It’s certainly the last we’ll see of Bobby Singer in that sort of realm where he is a living corporeal father figure for the boys, but I think he’ll be back. I don't think it’s the last we’ve seen of Jim.

Rating the badassdom of Sam Winchester

Well, you're familiar with the internationally standardized badass test? You go from badassness to badassdom. In all seriousness, though, I think Sam this year is trying to keep his wheels aligned with the road, so he's not in charge of his own faculties enough to really be as badass as he was when I had a lot of fun. I kinda like doing the badass bit. That's more badass. That means I eat meat and that means I lick blood. He's less badass, but it’s not shirtless, but I'll take it.

Looking ahead to the season finale

I hope it ends in a cliffhanger because if it doesn’t, that means it’s the end of us so I pray for a cliffhanger.

Jared Padalecki expects a season eight

Yes, frankly I do expect it. Not for any reason so don’t read into it but especially [at the People’s Choice Awards] we won Best Sci-fi, best Drama [on] network. So thank you, that’s really awesome.

Twitter question: What is on your music playlist that gets you into character as Sam Winchester?

I guess not necessarily to get into character but I want to say I’ve been listening to a lot of Mumford and Sons lately. Sometimes when I need to get a little amped up, I’ll put in Avenged Sevenfold which is kind of funny because I learned about the band from playing Guitar Hero.

They were the final song on the first Guitar Hero, “The Beast and the Harlot.” I was like, “Man, it kind of gets your blood going.” It’s pretty badass.